Stolen Fundraiser Donations Leads to Arrest

On June 14, 2010 at 2:15 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Buffalo Wild Wings located at 907 W. Marketview Drive for the report of stolen money from a “Salt & Light” donation can placed inside the business.

An employee of Buffalo Wild Wings noticed a man inside the business who was not ordering food and had not been a customer at a table. The employee also noticed the lid on the Salt & Light donation can was partially open as the suspect was seen quickly departing the business.

During the course of the investigation, officers received further information identifying the suspect as 36 year-old Chico Staples, who was arrested today at his home at 908 N. Broadway in Urbana. Chico Staples is also linked to at least four other burglaries involving Salt & Light donations positioned at area businesses:

Circle K, 2315 W. Springfield, Champaign

Circle K, 609 E. University Avenue, Champaign

Circle K, 1301 S. Neil Street, Champaign

Subway Restaurant, 706 W. Marketview, Champaign

“These crimes appear to be the result of one person and should not deter citizens from making donations to local organizations. Salt & Light Ministries is currently putting anti-theft measures in place to prevent this from occurring again,” says Lt. Jon Swenson.

Further information about these crimes can reported to the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-TIPS. Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by text tip: Tip397 plus the information to CRIMES (274637).